Residents' groups - the soul of community governance

Residents’ groups have been in existence in New Zealand for almost 150 years yet very little is known about them. The collection of residents’, ratepayers’ and progressive associations, community councils, neighbourhood committees and the like make up a part of the community governance sector that numbers over a thousand-strong. These groups are featured prominently in our news media, are active in local government affairs and expend many thousands of volunteer hours every year in their work in communities… but what exactly is that work?
The aim of this website and the supporting work that underlies it is to help create a network of grass-roots organisations around New Zealand that have the confidence to help communities govern themselves, grow opportunities for Kiwis and enhance the quality of life for all peoples.
The aim of this website and the supporting work that underlies it is to help create a network of grass-roots organisations around New Zealand that have the confidence to help communities govern themselves, grow opportunities for Kiwis and enhance the quality of life for all peoples.